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Two American Ebola patients have landed in the United States for treatment within the last week. We've been told not to panic, but the virus is real.
In West Africa, the Ebola virus is spreading rapidly. Since it was detected in March, the number of cases (suspected and confirmed) stands at 1,603. Eight hundred and eighty seven of those cases have resulted in death.
Symptoms include a sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. Those infected by also experience diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases internal and external bleeding.
The virus is spread through direct contact with blood, urine, saliva and other bodily fluids. Luckily, it is not airborne.
Unfortunately in the days of modern medicine, there is still no vaccine for the virus available. And because symptoms may take longer to show themselves, I fear people travelling in and around these countries affected could be spreading the virus and not even know it.
I know I should feel more sympathetic to the good souls who left the United States to help those affected by the virus. But those two Americans infected with the virus, a doctor with Samaritan's Purse, a non-denominational Christian International Relief organization, and another, a hygienist with Service in Mission, knew the risks of helping those with this virus.
I know they will get the quality care they need in the United States. But I fear for the hospital workers who have to tend to them, and the risk others have when returning from areas affected by the virus.
Maybe I am scared. Maybe I'm buying into the media hype about the virus. But I don't think we should be letting Ebola patients into the U.S.